COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 49, the state operating budget. The bill addresses some of Ohio’s most pressing issues, including more than $170 million in funding towards combating Ohio’s opioid epidemic and providing additional support for local governments. Rep. Arndt voted in support of the legislation.

In response to lower than expected revenue estimates, the House restrained spending and facilitated sound fiscal policies by staying under the rate of inflation for the first time in several years and spending about $2.5 billion less than the executive proposal over the biennium.

“This budget was extremely challenging due to the lower revenue estimates, but despite that, we were able to provide local support through the HOPES initiative and to add local resources to help out our communities,” said Rep. Arndt.

Additional provisions in the budget include:• Modernizing the CAUV (Current Agricultural Use Value) Formula to give farmers more dispensation upon a true value of agricultural use, while having minimal impact on Ohio’s schools and local governments• Ensuring children receive the care and attention they deserve by restoring the Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps (BCMH) program and funding it at $3 million per year• Directing additional resources to the local level by increasing funding for Indigent DefenseThe House’s budget bill, sponsored by House Finance Chairman Ryan Smith (R-Bidwell), will now go to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.